Ganbyuma (to make a fire)

A collaboration between Aileen Sage, Bangawarra and Djinjama, ‘Ganbyuma’ provides an opportunity to walk a path together, at the place of ‘first contact’ at Kamay (Botany Bay).

Celebrating deep connections to the land and sea of Saltwater Country, ‘Ganbyuma’ acknowledges different perspectives of survival and arrival creating a bridge that spans land, shoreline and water. At around 60m long by 30m wide and a length of 250m, an elevated walkway over the natural sandstone rock pools provides a universally accessible path that encircles the coast and sweeps back down towards the existing protected beach.

Marking the Songline to Guriwal (La Perouse), a place of ceremony is created. It is a place of revererence and solitude, but equally one of coming together and sharing stories.

Striking a strong presence from the air, land and sea, at the centre of ‘Ganbyuma’ is a floating platform that will hold the fires of ceremonies and gatherings, rising and falling with the changing tides.

An experience of learning for visitors to Kamay National Park, the monumental element of this work is not the bridge itself, but the activities performed while there: walking Country, experiencing ceremony, being immersed in the stories, and seeking to better understand, together, the complex and difficult histories of this place.